第７３８堀：とりあえず説明をしてからの (Part2)
If Popuri and the others at the Magic Academy were to lose their standing—and that is no joke—the aid from various nations would dry up, and the Magic Academy and the Academy Town of Lancer would cease to exist.
Well, the people would still be there, so tax revenue wouldn't vanish entirely, but it would inevitably fall into decline. And it isn't just the Magic Academy that would take the hit; it would affect mages working in other countries as well.
"Our mages are useless. Let's just hire some from the New Continent instead." That would lead to the mages of the If Continent being fired.
The result? Resentment would build up against Weed and the nations of the New Continent for pushing intercontinental exchange, and they would become potential enemies to the very nations promoting that exchange.
"I see. Certainly, we have no desire to cause friction with the If Continent. Regarding medical support from the Haire religion, I would like to make it a policy to consult with Weed and the others after receiving a formal request."
"I, too, shall ensure that any matters concerning magic in Haiden are thoroughly discussed with Weed first."
"I would appreciate that."
The New Continent already has its hands full with the issue of Magic Gear created by the Seasypho Kingdom and Aquenoki. There is no reason to make enemies of the folks on the If Continent. In fact, we simply wouldn't have the capacity to deal with it. The New Continent seems to share this sentiment; they have no intention of engaging in pointless conflict.
Still, I suspect that sooner or later, there will be trouble regarding the influx of religion and magical technology into the If Continent. I need to think about how to handle that. I should probably schedule some meetings to discuss those matters, too.
*Sigh.* My workload just keeps increasing.
As I thought about this, busily taking notes on my usual laptop and notepad, Princess Carrie asked a question.
"The If Continent is fine, but are there no issues with the Rogari Continent?"
"Come to think of it, Yuki-sama, you were away for several days visiting the Rogari Continent, weren't it?"
Ah, I suppose I can't avoid explaining that side of things, either.
And so, I explained that I had gone to explain the situation to nations that had previously been in a state of isolation, and that we were currently waiting for their responses or observing how the situation developed.
"High Elves and the Land of the Beast God, is it? To me, they sound like the stuff of legends—the lands of the Spirit Priestesses—but to the Rogari Continent, I suppose they are just one of many nations."
"But to think there are signs of rebellion in the Land of the Beast God... How shameless, especially toward a merciful nation that has taken in refugees."
As Stasia said, one could call them merciful, but it also means they simply failed to manage their borders. It is a form of self-inflicted wound, but since we bear some responsibility and I can't afford for the fire to spread to us, we have agreed to lend a hand.
Furthermore, as Princess Carrie’s words implied, the very existence of the High Elves and the Land of the Beast God is a subject of reverence for the people of the New Continent, which means there is potential to rake in the cash through tourism. If I were to use an Earth analogy, it’s like having a "Dreamland" theme park exist as an entire country.
That is exactly why we must protect them. It’s killing two birds with one stone—we gain their gratitude, too.
"...So, that is why the entry of those two nations will depend on how things play out. If the New Continent were to suddenly swarm them with tourists, they would likely be bewildered."
"Indeed."
"Besides, monsters were roaming about quite freely. We will need to issue warnings and impose restrictions on going outside. Monsters are far more terrifying and powerful than mere bandits."
When Stasia said that, everyone from the New Continent, including the battle-hardened General George, nodded in agreement. Kagura and the others who had come along did the same.
Well... there are weak monsters, too, but I don't think they’d believe me even if I said so.
Just as I finished explaining the situation regarding the Rogari and If Continents...
"Excuse me!!"
Catherine, the Lord of Baide, rushed in, looking flustered. I believe she was supposed to be gathering intelligence within Baide...
"Yuki-sama, you were here. Thank goodness. Regarding the message for Princess Carrie—we have received word that an envoy from the Seasypho Kingdom has arrived in Haiden."
At those words, tension rippled through everyone in the room.
The Seasypho Kingdom is already making a move? That’s too fast. Or is it just a coincidence?
Regardless, first, I need to gather accurate information...
"Yawn... Hm? What, are we moving?"
Before we go anywhere, I need to discipline this lazy, good-for-nothing goddess. The greatest enemy is often one's own allies—that’s a staple of war chronicles, after all.
Yes. I can only fight with peace of mind if I can properly control my own side. I must make sure to eliminate any worries about my rear guard.